The World Health Organization (WHO) monitored the tobacco control policy situation, primarily concerning cigarettes, in several countries worldwide in 2024.
This control refers to the MPOWER strategy developed by the WHO. However, the data collected excludes "M" (monitoring), encompassing "protect" (P), "offer" assistance (O), "warn" (W), "enforce" (E), and "raise" taxes (R).
Regarding protecting people from secondhand smoke, a majority, or 79 countries, have comprehensive smoke-free environment regulations. However, 51 countries still lack such regulations.
Furthermore, only 31 countries have comprehensive smoking cessation programs. A majority, or 102 countries, have moderate or partial policies regarding such programs.
Another policy involves warning labels on cigarette or tobacco packaging. A majority, 110 countries, already have this policy in place.
However, warnings through mass media education remain minimal, with only 37 countries having comprehensive policies. A majority, or 110 countries, lack such policies.
Next, a complete ban on tobacco advertising is only in place in 68 countries. A majority, 88 countries, have moderate regulations in this area.
Finally, imposing or raising tobacco taxes. Only 40 countries have comprehensive policies regarding this program, while the rest have moderate, minimal, or no data on policies at all, as shown in the graph.
The WHO notes that of the 107 countries that have implemented at least two MPOWER measures, 40 countries have achieved three measures at the highest achievement level. Seven countries have achieved four measures at that level: Ethiopia, Ireland, Jordan, Mexico, New Zealand, Slovenia, and Spain.
Unfortunately, 40 countries have not adopted any MPOWER measures at the practical level, leaving nearly 2 billion people vulnerable to the harmful effects of tobacco.
(Read: Many Indonesian Children Still Smoke: Here Are Their Age Groups)